Harris County Jail System Passes Inspection

HOUSTON (CBS Houston) On Friday, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards found the Harris County Jail system to be in full compliance with state regulations. This is the fourth year in a row the jail system has been found to be in compliance.

“The finding came after a week-long annual inspection of a system that includes inmate housing in downtown Houston, booking and releasing operations, holding cells in the Harris County Criminal Justice Center and jail cells at Sheriff’s Office patrol substations. The inspection covered fire and life safety, record-keeping, medical facilities, sanitation, hygiene, food service, chaplaincy programs, inmate telephone use and other aspects”, stated officials with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office,” stated officials with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Jail Commission Assistant Director Shannon Herklotz added that the Harris County jail system was “cleaner” and had less maintenance issues than during previous inspections. Authorities also added that the medical treatment inmates receive at the jail is above standard. “Dr. Michael Seale oversees inmate medical care,” added the HCSO.

The Harris County jail system houses approximately 8,800 inmates. Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia who took office back in 2009 adds that the dedication, skill set and diligence of the jail staff help to make the jail system a facility that runs without issue: “Our many brave first responders and investigators are the ones most likely to get credit for their public service. In contrast, the dedicated men and women who run and staff the jail — confronting potentially dangerous or sensitive situations every day and keeping ‘the bad guys’ away from the public — are among our hidden heroes,” Sheriff Garcia said in a statement. “Our passing the jail inspection again is solid proof of their hard work. They have my thanks and gratitude.”

The inspection of the jail comes before the retirement of Chief Deputy Mike Smith, who oversees jail operations.